Mexican Street Corn Soup Crockpot Elote Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional, for heat)
• 6 cups frozen corn kernels (approx. 900g)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (950ml)
• 1 (10 oz / 283g) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (4 oz / 113g) can chopped green chilies, drained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml) OR full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta) - omit for dairy-free
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Hot sauce, to taste (optional)